Is Rhodes Expensive? A Guide To Spending On The Isle

Like the mythical Colossus that once guarded its harbor, Rhodes stands as a beacon for travelers seeking Mediterranean splendor without emptying their wallets. You’re probably wondering if this Greek island will strain your budget or offer surprising value. The truth? It depends on when you visit, where you stay, and how you approach daily expenses. While tourism can drive prices up during peak season, you’ll find Rhodes offers more affordable options than you might expect. Let’s explore what your euros can really buy.

Key Points

• Rhodes is 23% cheaper than the U.S. overall, with affordable local produce but higher prices for imported goods.
• Property costs average €2,049/m² while rentals run about €10.18/m²/month (€407 for a 40m² apartment).
• Dining options range from budget meals (€8-€12) to mid-range restaurant meals for two (€20-€57).
• Transportation is affordable with €2.20 bus rides, though car rentals cost around $50/day plus fuel.
• Visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offers 30-50% discounts on accommodations and fewer crowds.

The Cost of Living in Rhodes vs. Greek Mainland

While Rhodes shares Greece’s overall affordability with its approximate 23% lower cost of living compared to the U.S., island life does come with some financial distinctions.

Living on Rhodes offers American expats Greek affordability with island-specific financial considerations to navigate.

You’ll notice similar utility costs to the mainland, typically ranging from €150-€300 monthly for a standard apartment. However, transportation expenses may differ markedly. Imported goods and fuel cost more on Rhodes due to added shipping expenses.

When grocery shopping, you’ll save by choosing local produce over imported items. Enjoy local cheese at around €15.33 per kilo, a staple in many traditional Greek dishes. The island’s dining scene mirrors mainland prices at mid-range restaurants, though seafood is particularly cost-effective here. Unlike Lefkada with its stunning beaches, Rhodes offers more historical attractions that are often reasonably priced compared to other European destinations.

Remember that Rhodes’ seasonal tourism can affect prices throughout the year, with peak season bringing higher costs for accommodations and car rentals than you’d find in many mainland locations.

Housing and Accommodation Expenses on the Island

Housing costs in Rhodes have seen notable increases recently, with the average price per square meter reaching €2,049 as of March 2025—a 15.63% jump year-over-year.

If you’re buying property, expect to pay between €1,401–€2,938/m² depending on location and property type, with the Old Town and coastal areas commanding premium prices.

For rentals, you’ll face an average of €10.18 per square meter monthly, translating to about €407 monthly for a typical 40m² studio.

Tourism markedly impacts these figures, creating seasonal price volatility.

When comparing to other Greek locations, Rhodes shows steeper price growth than the mainland’s 1.11% quarterly increase.

Rhodes attracts significant interest from international buyers with foreign investors accounting for approximately 80-85% of real estate transactions on the island.

Many travelers find Rhodes more affordable than Athens attractions while still offering remarkable historical sites and beautiful landscapes.

Budget-conscious buyers should look toward outskirts and older buildings in the €1,400-€1,800/m² range, while long-term leases offer better value than short-term accommodations.

Dining Out: Restaurant and Cafe Prices

How much you’ll spend on food in Rhodes depends largely on where you choose to eat. Budget travelers can grab gyros in backstreets for €10-12, while fast food alternatives cost around €8.32.

For mid-range dining, expect to pay about €20 for a meal for two, with a full three-course experience costing approximately €57.50. Upscale restaurants charge around €45 for two, offering sophisticated ambience and refined seafood or steak dishes.

Prices vary seasonally, with significant increases during summer months. To save money, eat at local taverns, visit markets, or try street food stalls. Unlike Greek gem Corfu, Rhodes tends to have slightly higher prices in tourist areas.

Local drinks are relatively affordable, with beer at €4 and wine at €3.

Rhodes offers diverse cuisine options from Greek and Mediterranean to Italian and vegetarian, with many highly-rated establishments to choose from. Visitors seeking authentic Greek seafood experiences should try restaurants like Konstantin Restaurant Cafe which consistently receives excellent traveler reviews for its Mediterranean specialties.

Grocery Shopping and Market Prices

Grocery shopping in Rhodes offers a mix of affordability and Mediterranean freshness, with prices that generally remain reasonable compared to other European destinations. You’ll find local markets stocked with seasonal produce, dairy, and traditional Greek staples. Like neighboring Corfu Island, Rhodes provides visitors with accessible grocery options that won’t break your vacation budget.

Basic food prices include:

Basic food items in Rhodes are reasonably priced, with essentials like milk, bread, eggs, and cheese forming the foundation of local shopping.

• Milk at €7.27 per gallon
• Fresh white bread at €1.65 per loaf
• A dozen eggs for €5.20
• Local cheese (500g) for about €6

Fruits and vegetables are particularly good value, with apples costing around €1.23 per kilogram and potatoes at €1.30 per kilogram. Prices may rise slightly during peak tourist season, and specialty items for dietary restrictions typically cost more. While prices increased in 2024, they remain comparable to U.S. prices for most everyday items.

For budget-conscious travelers, focusing on local, seasonal produce will give you the best value while experiencing authentic Greek cuisine.

Getting Around: Transportation Costs in Rhodes

Understanding Rhodes efficiently requires understanding the various transportation options and their costs. RODA buses are affordable at €2.20 per ride, while KTEL buses range from €1.60 to €8 depending on distance. For island exploration, short routes start at just €1.20.

If you’re arriving by sea, expect to pay around €45 for a passenger ferry ticket from Piraeus, with vehicle transport costing €128 for cars and €40 for motorcycles. These journeys typically take nearly 13 hours.

For maximum flexibility, car rentals average $50 daily plus fuel costs. All buses on the island provide free luggage space on KTEL routes, making travel more convenient for travelers with bags. Inter-island hopping to nearby Tilos or Halki costs approximately €7-€8.

While exploring Rhodes, remember that peak tourist seasons can significantly impact transportation prices and availability, particularly during summer months.

To maximize your budget, consider mixing transport methods—use public buses for most travel, and save rentals for specific day trips to remote locations.

Entertainment and Leisure Activities Budget

When planning your Rhodes entertainment budget, you’ll find a wide spectrum of activities catering to different interests and price points. Most organized experiences range from $60-120 per adult, with water-based activities dominating the offerings.

For value-conscious travelers, consider:

• Self-guided options like Lindos Acropolis audio tours or round-trip bus transfers ($80/adult) that include free exploration time
• Water-based activities like bay-to-bay swimming cruises with buffet meals ($69/adult)
• Cultural experiences through Palace of Grand Master e-tickets with audio guides
• Symi fast boat trips ($58/adult) combining island visits with swimming stops

Mobile tickets often provide skip-the-line advantages, while combo tours of medieval sites offer better value than individual visits. Book early for popular excursions, as Symi trips and fishing excursions frequently sell out. If visiting during peak summer months, you’ll encounter significantly higher prices as Rhodes follows the same seasonal pricing patterns that affect accommodations throughout the Greek islands. While Rhodes offers excellent value, many travelers find that Crete’s attractions provide comparable experiences with equally diverse entertainment options.

Seasonal Price Variations: Tourist vs. Off-Season

Rhodes experiences dramatic price swings throughout the year, with costs for accommodations, activities, and services varying markedly between peak tourist season and quieter periods.

You’ll find the highest prices from mid-June through August, especially early July and August, when hotel rates literally double compared to low season (averaging $164/night versus $88/night). Budget accommodations jump from €22-50 in winter to €45-150 during summer months.

For significant savings, consider visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when you’ll enjoy moderate crowds and prices. November through March offers the best value with 30-50% discounts on accommodations. Daily transportation costs for public buses and taxis remain more consistent than accommodation prices throughout the year.

While restaurant prices remain relatively stable year-round at tourist-friendly spots, guided tours cost 20-30% more during peak months. Beach sunbed rentals double to €10-20 in summer. Greek islands like Rhodes are typically more budget-friendly than many other Mediterranean destinations, especially when visiting outside peak season.

Family Budget Planning for Rhodes Vacations

A successful family vacation to Rhodes requires careful financial planning, especially when traveling with children. When budgeting, consider accommodation options ranging from €40-60/night for basic rooms to €100+ for all-inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs and waterslides.

For a family of four, allocate daily:

• €15-35 per person for food (less if you opt for €2.50-3.50 gyros or grocery shopping)
• €20-50 for activities and tours (water parks, museums, boat trips)
• €5-25 for transportation depending on resort shuttle availability
• €10-20 for incidentals like snacks and souvenirs

Family-friendly areas like Faliraki, Pefkos, and Ixia offer proximity to kid-friendly beaches. Similar to island cost comparison, Rhodes is generally considered moderately priced compared to other Greek islands. Booking a vacation package that includes flights and accommodations can lead to significant savings compared to purchasing components separately. Consider resorts with included amenities like pools and supervised childcare to maximize value while keeping your budget intact.

Money-Saving Tips for Extended Stays

Extending your stay in Rhodes can dramatically reduce your daily expenses if you know how to navigate the local economy. Look for furnished rentals on platforms like Airbnb or Flatio, where monthly stays often come with significant discounts and included utilities. These long-term options typically offer fully equipped kitchens and essential living amenities for a home-like experience.

Cook at home using ingredients from local markets and supermarket chains like Lidl to slash food costs. When dining out, choose authentic tavernas over tourist traps.

Ditch car rentals for public buses, bicycles, or scooters—or simply walk when possible. Many of Rhodes’ best experiences cost nothing: explore free beaches, hike nature trails, and wander through local markets. If you’re particularly interested in history, consider a day trip to Athens where you can explore ancient ruins that rival those found on Rhodes itself.

Connect with locals for insider tips on budget-friendly spots. Most rentals and cafés offer free Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for expensive data plans.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Rhodes surprisingly friendly to your wallet. While tourist hotspots might make your credit card weep, venture just a few streets away and prices plummet. With smart choices—booking off-season, eating where locals gather, and exploring by foot—you’ll stretch your euros to ridiculous lengths. Rhodes isn’t dirt cheap, but it’s far from breaking the bank. Your Mediterranean dreams are more affordable than you think.